22/01/2026
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
VAWC (Violence Against Women and Their Children) โ RA 9262
Every woman and child deserves to live free from fear, harm, and abuse. Under Republic Act 9262, the law protects against:
โ
Physical abuse โ hitting, slapping, physical harm
โ
Sexual abuse โ forced s*x, harassment, exploitation
โ
Psychological abuse โ threats, insults, humiliation, stalking, controlling behavior
โ
Economic abuse โ withholding support, taking away access to funds, preventing work or livelihood
๐ Even if you are already separated from your partner, past or ongoing abuse can still be the basis of a VAWC case (within the legal period).
๐Who Can File a VAWC Case?
โข The wife or live-in partner
โข A woman with whom the offender has/had a s*xual relationship
โข The child (legitimate, illegitimate, adopted, stepchild)
โข Parents, guardians, or social workers (on behalf of the child or victim)
โ๏ธ Penalties for Offenders:
๐จ Jail time: 1 month to 20 years (depending on gravity of abuse)
๐จ Fine: โฑ100,000 to โฑ300,000
๐จ Mandatory psychological counseling
๐ก Remember:
A VAWC case is both criminal (punishable by imprisonment) and civil (you can also claim custody, support, and damages).
โจ Speak up. Seek help. You are protected.
๐ Approach your Barangay, Police Womenโs Desk, DSWD, or Family Court to file a case and ask for a Protection Order.
